Popular Culture In Post-War Australia

Popular culture in post-war Australia was immensely influenced by American and British culture. Upon the end of World War 2, Australians experienced increased leisure time with nothing to fill it with. The Union had successfully enforced the 8 x 8 x 8 principle, thus supplying Australians with 8 hours of work, 8 hours of leisure and 8 hours of sleep. Increasing globalisation meant that the average Australian became more aware of the world around them, rather than the impenetrable bubble of their farm or township that they belonged to. This knowledge of foreign ideas and behaviours were quickly adopted because of their tantalizing appeal and soon became extremely common in Australian society. Popular culture is a culture based on what society deems to be sought-after, trendy or popular. This extends to everything, including; fashion, food, music, sport and entertainment. World War 2 allowed close affiliation between America and ourselves to take place. Originally, Australia’s culture was completely influenced by Britain. For the first time Australia experienced foreign leverage from a different country. The average Australian was

In music, Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Buddy Holly and Marvin Gaye were the most prolific people on the world stage. Marlon Brando, James Dean and Marilyn Monroe ruled the cinematic stage. However, the major highlight of this era was the dawn of technologies involvement in our life. Radio, television and all electronics in general no longer became wants but needs. Once somebody owned one they were aware of everything happening around them, knew what’s hot and what’s not and could be easily persuaded to buy the newest vacuum cleaner model or dress from the shops. Accordingly, the extent of what was on offer to Australians was massive, but there were still obvious favourites, especially to those who revolutionised their